Fiorentina director Joe Barone insists Dusan Vlahovic is ‘the past’ and Luka Jovic can prove himself against arch-rivals Juventus. ‘This match will never be like the others.’
It kicks off at 14.00 UK time (13.00 GMT).
The Viola have failed to find the net in four consecutive games between Serie A and the Conference League, but director Barone is not concerned.
“The team creates plenty of chances, we have a precise tactical identity and the statistics are encouraging, but then it comes down to individual technique and choices in front of goal. We are not worried,” Barone told DAZN.
“We must put in a great performance today, because this match will never be like the others.”
The rivalry between the clubs only stepped up even more in January when Vlahovic practically forced a transfer to Juventus, rejecting Arsenal and other Premier League options with his contract running down.
The Tuscans still got plenty out of the deal, selling him for €81.6m plus up to €10m in performance-related bonuses.
“He is the past now, we think of what we have now and what we need to win the game. Jovic still needs a little time to find his form and this can be an important game for Jovic to show he can make the difference.”
Giacomo Bonaventura is unavailable, as his father’s funeral is being held today, while Alfred Duncan joins long-term injury absentee Gaetano Castrovilli in the stands.
Nico Gonzalez is only fit for the bench with a recurring Achilles heel problem and Pietro Terracciano gets the nod ahead of summer signing Pierluigi Gollini in goal.
allegri will destroy Vlahovic`s career. Fans are furious at the dinosaur.